All posts by admin

Vol. 12, No. 11 – Feb 27 – Mar 12, 2019 – Movie Review

Isn’t It Romantic
Review: 3.5 Palm Trees out of 4 Palm Trees

by: Victoria Usher

Isn’t It Romantic is a 2019 romantic comedy film that was directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson. It was produced by Rebel Wilson, Todd Garner, Gina Matthews, and Grant Scharbo. The story was by Erin Cardillo. The screenplay was by Erin Cardillo, Dana Fox, and Katie Silberman. The cinematography was by Simon Duggan. The music was by John Debney. It was edited by Andrew Marcus. The production design was done by Sharon Seymour. The film was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in cinemas on February 13th, 2019. It was announced on January 30th, 2019 that the film will be released on Netflix internationally on February 28th, 2019. The stars of the film include Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, Adam DeVine, Priyanka Chopra, Betty Gilpin, Jennifer Saunders, and Tom Ellis.

In the film, Natalie (Rebel Wilson) is an Australian architect living in New York City. Natalie wakes up after being knocked unconscious and mugged on the subway to find that her world has literally been turned into a PG-13 romantic comedy. In Natalie’s real-life romantic comedy, her tiny apartment is now a luxurious studio apartment, the grimy streets of New York City are now full of bright colors, regular stores have been replaced by beautiful flower shops, and there are pigeons flying up above in heart-shaped formation. Natalie’s best friend at work has now become her work enemy, and a gorgeous real estate investor (Liam Hemsworth) shows obvious interest in her. Natalie’s other best friend, Josh (Adam Devine) is the only one who appears to be exactly the same as before, and the only one who still notices all the good things in her the same exact way he did before.

There are a few moments throughout the film that are exciting in an unexpected way, referencing scenes from other well-known romantic comedies such as: When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, and 13 Going On 30. What really makes this film refreshingly different from other romantic comedies is that it makes fun of the romantic comedy genre while expressing the beauty and importance of real love at the same time. Isn’t It Romantic is a truly wild and entertaining ride.

(Rated: PG-13) (Running Time: 1h 28m)

Vol. 12, No. 11 – Feb 27 – Mar 12, 2019 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Let’s talk about ensuring we have jazz in town, and not just every now and then. I’m talking about a venue where you can count on not only local artists having a place to showcase their talent, but a jazz house where world-class musicians travel to Ventura (some actually live here) to play in front of an appreciative audience. Of course, I’m talking about Squashed Grapes re-opening at their new location in mid-town Ventura. If you’d like to weigh in, then you are invited to attend the obligatory public hearing to be held at Ventura City Hall in the Council Chambers on Wednesday, April 10, at 6 pm; please mark it on your calendar now. I’ll be there, and I’m personally inviting you to come help Adam and Josh reopen Squashed Grapes. Long live The Grape!

Sorry to report we’ve lost another venue for live music. I’d like to thank Kristen Shubert for the past few years for running Vintura at the Wine Rack and offering not only a lovely place to hang, a crew happy to describe the wines available but for also supporting Ventura’s music scene by providing an eclectic mix of artists on their stage. Unfortunately, she lost her lease but she went out in fine fashion by selling everything in the venue from bottles of wine at half off, to all items in the store, cushions to artwork. Her last day for music was Monday, February 25, with artists showing up to jam as a final send off.

Quick Notes: The Black Angus at Main and Telephone now offers live music 5:30 – 8:30 pm on Thursdays; The Grape presents Doug Webb featuring Danny Carey (TOOL) at the Hong Kong Inn on Saturday, March 2; Pennywise plays the Ventura Theater, Saturday, March 2, Zoe on Friday, March 8; Salzer’s has an in-store performance from Trouble in the Wind on Friday, March 1 at 6 pm; the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra’s Concertos night will be Saturday, March 2; Bank of Books will have three bands in the house for an all ages show on Saturday, March 9, at 6 pm featuring The Crawdads, The References and King Archie; Luicidal Tendencies, featuring members of Suicidal Tendencies play The Garage on Tuesday, March 5, along with IDecline, Sick Sense and F.S.K.D.; and finally Jodi Farrell will once again highlight her students with a performance workshop at Namba on Saturday, March 9, at noon.

Just a side note, The Lantern Festival seemed to be a success if you’re solely going by the number of people participating. I hope they’ll be back next year, maybe advertise a little more and I hope the weather cooperates with less wind. Of course, it could have been worse, it could have rained.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected]. For updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Vol. 12, No. 11 – Feb 27 – Mar 12, 2019 – Forever Homes Wanted

Chewie has been in foster care for over a month now and he is a wonderful, extremely easygoing little guy. He loves talking walks, running and hiking.
He’s great with kids. He enjoys being in a car or simply chilling on the couch. He is a perfect companion. He has lived successfully with other dogs and cats. You can meet Chewie by contacting our foster coordinator at [email protected]. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive Chewie A678624

Hi: I’m Princeton a very loving 6 year old American Staffordshire Terrier X. I’m in need of a new home as sadly my owner passed away unexpectedly. I loved her very much and will miss her dearly. I’m energetic but I love to snuggle too. I’ll need an active human, no couch potatoes please. I love cats, but not small dogs. Please stop by and meet me, I’m sure to win you over. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Vol. 12, No. 11 – Feb 27 – Mar 12, 2019 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Bank of Books
748 E. Main Street
Music 6-8 pm
Sat 3/9: The Crawdads, The References, King Archie

Black Angus
4718 Telephone Road
Music 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Thursdays: Mark David Undercover

Blue Agave
185 E. Santa Clara
Fridays: Mariachi Band; DJ
Saturdays: DJ

The Blue Room
Ventura Harbor Village
(Next to Comedy Club)
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Monday-Thursday 6 pm, Friday & Saturday 7 pm
Mondays: Milo Sledge
Tuesdays: Jason Ho/Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Bluegrass Jam
Wed 2/27: Shore Break

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Thursdays, Friday & Saturdays: DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 2/27: Fabulous Hangovers

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Music 7 pm; Sundays 4 pm
Mondays: Smokey & Friends
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Fri 3/1: Brandon Ragan Project

Dargan’s Irish Rub & Restaurant
593 E. Main Street
Sun 3/4: The Sunday Drivers (4 pm)

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 2/28: Kyle Smith (single release party)
Fri 3/1: Wailing Souls, Arise Roots
Thurs 3/2: In the End
Thurs 3/7: After the Smoke
Fri 3/8: Shania Twin
Sat 3/9: Heavy Petty
Sun 3/10: E.N. Young

Duke’s Griddle n Grill
1124 S. Seaward
Wednesdays: Karaoke

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: DJ
Saturdays: DJ

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Avenue
Music 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Fri 3/8: 50 Sticks of Dynamite

Garage
1091 Scandia Avenue
Mondays: Karaoke
Tues 3/5: Luicidal, IDecline, Sick Sense, F.S.K.D.

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Wed & Thurs 6 pm; Fri & Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm
Fri 3/1: Morganfield Burnett
Sat 3/2: Jim Gustin and Truth Jones
Sun 3/3: The Tossers
Wed 3/6: The Swillys
Fri 3/8: Monty Byrom
Sat 3/9: Ricky Z
Sun 3/10: Shawn Jones

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
“The Grape Presents Jazz” series
Wed 2/27: Milo Sledge
Thurs 2/28: RJ Root & Friends
Fri 3/1: Jazz Express
Sat 3/2: Doug Webb Group w/ Danny Carey (TOOL)
Tues 3/5: Jazz Jam hosted by Hans Ottsen
Fri 3/8: Mphaka
Sat 3/9: The Barrelhouse Wailers

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues, Wed and Sun: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 3/1: Magnificent Bastards
Sat 3/2: Crosscut 805
Fri 3/8: DJ AVG
Sat 3/9: Old School

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Fri 3/1: BeJammington
Sat 3/2: The Alpine Camp
Tues 3/5: The Listening Room
Fri 3/8: Mark Masson & Friends
Sat 3/9: Fallen Angels
Tues 3/12: Robert Quindaro

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main Street
Fridays: DJ
Saturdays: DJ
Sundays: Instone (1-4 pm)

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 6 pm; Sat 4 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 2/28: Kyle Swan
Sat 3/2: Milo Sledge Trio
Sun 3/3: Trouble in the Wind
Thurs 3/7: Matt Sayles & Gues
Sat 3/9: The Dynasties
Sun 3/10: Cheyene Skye

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Sat 3/2: Pennywise
Fri 3/8: Zoe

Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main Street
Sun 3/10: Camerata Pacifica Ives & Beethoven

Namba
47 S. Oak Street
Fri 3/8: Carlo Fierens
Sat 3/9: Jodi Farrell’s Performance Workshop (Noon)

Oak and Main
419 E. Main Street
Sundays: Sing Time Karoke
Tuesdays: Beers Brothers Open Mic
Wed 2/27: Mark & Guil Duo
Thurs 2/28: The Volt per Octaves
Fri 3/1: Brother Earl & the Cousins
Sat 3/2: Elements
Wed 3/6: Brian Martinez
Fri 3/8: Blues Bullet, Inside Break
Sat 3/9: The Mighty Cash Cats, Silver Threads

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wed: Karaoke

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
Sun 3/3: Old Time Country Bluegrass (2-4 pm)

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Open Jam night

Saloon
456 E. Main Street
Music at 10 pm
Sat 3/9: Noble Grizwald

Salzer’s Records
5777 Valentine Road
Fri 3/1: Trouble in the Wind (6 pm)

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 3/2: Steve Bedau
Sun 3/3: Casey Ahern
Sun 3/10: James Lawless

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi
Sat 3/2: Infirmities, Hillview
Fri 3/8: DJ Pistolero
Sat 3/9: Outlaw Inlaws

The Shores Restaurant
1031 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard
Fri 3/1: Karen Eden
Sat 3/2: Pull the Trigger
Sun 3/3: Dave Parsonage
Fri 3/8: Milo Sledge
Sat 3/9: Teresa Russell & Cocobilli
Sun 3/10: Shay Moulder

Star Lounge
343 E Main Street
Thurs 2/28: Katie Shorey

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Get Right DJ

Ventura College Performing Arts Center
4700 Loma Vista Road
Sat 3/2: VC Symphony Orchestra Concertos Night

Winchester’s
632 E. Main Street
(805) 653-7446
Music at 7:00 pm; Sundays at 5 pm
Fri 3/1: Karen 805
Sat 3/2: The Tossers
Sun 3/3: The Ventucky String Band
Fri 3/8: Natalie Wattre
Sat 3/9: National Cat
Sun 3/10: Crooked Eye Crossroads

1901 Speakeasy
649 South B Street, Oxnard
Fri 3/1: Rich Sheldon
Sat 3/2: Gigi Worth
Fri 3/8: Shawn Jones
Sat 3/9: The Swillys

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at Noon
Saturdays: Kenny Devoe
Sundays: Kenny Devoe

Vol. 12, No. 11 – Feb 27 – Mar 12, 2019 – Ojai News & Events

Chamber On The Mountain presents Cellist Zlatomir Fung, who recently captured First Prize at the 2018 Schoenfeld International String Competition, as well as the competition’s sole performance engagement prize for a concert with Poland’s Poznan Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mr. Fung will be accompanied by Pianist Janice Carissa, who was recently awarded the 2018 Career Grant Winner of Charlotte White’s Salon De Virtuosi. Ms. Carissa was a Young Scholar of Lang Lang’s International Music Foundation; the runner-up in the 2014 piano competition at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen Music Festival and School; Star Performance Award Winner of the 2012 American Protégé International Music Talent Competition in New York; the runner-up in Indonesia Pusaka International Piano Competition in 2011; and the Top Prize Winner of the IBLA Foundation’s 2006 International Piano Competition.

The program includes selections from 11 Capricci for Solo Cello by Joseph Dall’Abaco; Baal Shem, B. 47 by Ernest Bloch; Sequenza XIV for Cello by Luciano Berio; Premiere by Katherine Balch; Sonata in E Minor, Op. 38 by Johannes Brahms.

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is pleased to present a performance by Jim Kimo West on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at pm. West, recognized as one of the world’s top slack key guitarists, will perform selections from his Grammy-nominated album Moku Maluhia: Peaceful Island as well as classic works.

West is a prolific composer with a generous output of new, exciting slack key guitar originals. In addition he writes and produces music for too numerous to mention feature films and television shows.

Gretchen Simpson will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019, to deliver a talk entitled “Artistic Visions of a Growing America.” Ms. Simpson comes to us via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program.

A living artist views their surroundings with an eye that is both immediate and thoughtful. The result on their canvas can be a historical record which is informative as well as provocative. At times, however, a painting is also disturbing and cautionary. The art of this remarkable era reveals all the growing pains of a society rushing into its future.

A representative from the U.S. Census Bureau will visit the Ojai Library at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019, to deliver a 2020 Census recruiting and application workshop.

The 2020 Census is hiring in Ojai and Ventura County! All are invited to attend an informal workshop at the Ojai Library to learn more about this opportunity. The workshop will include a presentation of the variety of jobs available, the qualifications required for 2020 Census work, and the method for submitting your application.

Beginning on March 10, the Ojai Library’s Fiber Fun with Kids group will meet on Sundays from 2-3 p.m. for a weekly crochet workshop. This workshop will focus on basic crochet skills.

Crochet is both entertaining and educational. Participating in this type of crafting helps to improve problem solving, reading, and fine motor skills. Kids who take part in this program will learn to crochet different shapes that will help them to design and build all kinds of fun projects.

Kids age 8 and up will enjoy this engaging activity with a STEAM focus. Materials are provided by the Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation. Supplies are limited.

This program is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Ventura County Potters’ Guild Gallery Featured Artist Karin Mac until March 31

Meet the artist Monday March 4th, 11 – 6 pm

German-born ceramic artist Karin Mac made the first of many visits to India with her husband Jatindar Singh Mac in the late 1960s, and has made art inspired by India ever since. In 1980, she immigrated to the United States with her husband
and their three sons. While studying art in Southern California, Karin fell in love with pottery.

Ventura Harbor Village
1567 Spinnaker Drive Suite 105 (805) 644-6800

 

 

Vol. 12, No. 11 – Feb 27 – Mar 12, 2019 – Mailbox

To Sheldon

Re: Trump supporters. 

Sheldon, your comments on the Electoral College are well supported. As any student of Constitution Law will see there are many clauses from 1787 that do not apply today. That is why scholars opine that the Constitution is a living document that creates and expands and yes even contracts through our history to better deal with human frailties.

Women did not have the right to vote for over 100 years plus. Breathe out. Slavery abolished. Breathe out.  Nazis allowed to March in Skokie,  Illinois. Breathe in. Citizen’s United. Breathe in. When one group feels like we should not breathe any longer that is contrary to what our founding fathers attempted to design. These are simple basic ideas (TRUTHS ) designed to absorb the trials, tribulations, and vicissitudes anticipated by these founders after long considering the failures of past governments such as the Roman Empire.

Lou Vigorita

Dear Sheldon,I would like to commend yourself and The Ventura Breeze for taking a stand to comment on the lame decision-making by our current President.  Isn’t that what a free press is about?  He is an unfortunate and dangerous politician because he puts His businesses ahead of The People. We see evidence of this daily. I just hope the investigations trying to uncover the truth about who he is and what he has been doing are released to All the American electorate. Then let them judge.  A Democracy is only as good as the People. 

Suzanna Ballmer, Ventura 

Suzanna:
Who am I to disagree with a smart person like you?
Sheldon

Editor:

I’m wondering how long it will be before CalTrans corrects their mistake on the NB Main Street exit from the US101 and CA126?

After the repaving work, the re-striping of the off ramp did not include the original limit line but did include the crosswalk. The sensors to trip the signal have been moved to past the original limit line. This causes vehicles to go all the way to the crosswalk and can’t see the traffic signal above them.

When I went to the CalTrans website to report this issue, the robot recognized that an issue had been previously reported at this location.

Maybe CalTrans will get around to fixing it someday. In the meantime drivers will be craning their neck to see the traffic signal. Or stop before the main sensor and wait forever.

Tim Hansen
Ventura

Sheldon:

In response to a reader, you wrote on February 13th: “Don’t you think whoever gets the most votes should win?” and followed with arguments against the Electoral College.

You ask how something passed in 1787 could have any application today, citing population changes. Every provision of the Constitution, as amended and interpreted, has applied to every legal precept in the United States throughout the intervening 232 years. The justification for the Electoral College is founded on principles, not population.

You offer the standard argument against the College, which is that it is inequitable, with the votes in some states “meaning more” or being “more important” than those in another. This is true and the Founders were well aware of it, but adopted the provision for many good reasons. You’ll note that there is no mention of “democracy” anywhere in the Declaration or the Constitution, for good reason: the Founders intended to establish a Constitutional Republic, not a democracy. They did not want the floating whims of a majority to jeopardize the rights of every other person, nor a perpetual floating tally of who determines, interprets or implements the Law of the Land.

Bear in mind that this is the United States of America, drawing its claim to sovereignty from each and all of the colonies (later states). The structure of the Electoral College is a direct result of the guarantee of equality “among the states”, with each having exactly two votes in the U.S. Senate. The Constitution might have never been adopted otherwise. The Electoral College is simply determined by adding the number of representatives and senators for each state. That is the fairest way to have equity in both the general population and all of the states in determining the presidency.

Bill Westmiller

Bill: Thank you for your explanation but I still don’t like it. Keep your comments coming please, what our country is all about.
Sheldon

The first pull on the cord will always send the drapes the wrong way.
~ Charles P. Boyle

Ventura Libraries March Events

Avenue Library

Children & Family Events

Bilingual Early Literacy Class 3/4, 11, 18, & 25 Mondays @ 5:30-6:30pm
Join us for storytelling, nursery rhymes, and more!
Lego Play
3/7, 14, 21, & 28 Thursdays @ 3 –5pm
Bring your imagination and experiment with creative designs.

Adult Classes & Events

Laubach Literacy English Classes

3/4, 11, 18, & 25 Mondays @ 10:30-11:30am

3/5, 12, 19, & 26 Tuesdays @ 9-10am & @ 10-11am

3/6, 13, 20, & 27 Wednesdays @ 11:30am -12:30pm

3/7, 14, 21, & 28 Thursdays @ 10–11am

Introductory English classes offered through Laubach Literacy. Make an appointment today, call (805) 385-9584.

Wherever You Are Adult Computer Instruction – by AppointmentCall the Avenue Library to make an appointment for 30 minutes of 1 on 1 computer tutorial.

E.P. Foster Library

Local Author Talk- Florencia Ramirez

3/9 Saturday @ 1-2:30pm 

Join author Florencia Ramirez in her discussion about her book “Eat Less Water.” Ms. Ramirez’ book “takes the reader on a journey to meet American’s food producers growing food with less water. The author exposes the seldom-seen connection between dwindling water resources and the choices we make when shopping for groceries for our families and offers us the solution that begins in the kitchen.”

A Matter of Balance Class

3/5, 12, 19, & 26 Tuesdays @ 1-3pm

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging presents this practical, award-winning fall prevention class. For more information and to register please contact: Dina Ontiveras 805-477-7343.

Venture (a) Out In The County…a Sierra Club Educational Series

3/12 Tuesday @ 5:30-7pm
Join us as we learn about hiking, camping and natural resources in and around Ventura County.

Children’s Events

Early Literacy Class

3/5, 12, 19, & 26 Tuesdays &

3/6, 13, 20, & 27 Wednesdays @ 10:30am

Join us for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!

Teen Happenings

Virtual Reality

3/5, 12, 19, & 26 Tuesdays @ 3:30-5:30pm

Explore the virtual world with different VR platform including Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. This event is for ages 13-17.

Hill Road Library

Family & Children’s Ongoing Events

Early Literacy Class
3/6, 13, 20, & 27 Wednesdays @ 10:30am
Join us for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun! Aimed at ages 0-5.

Children’s Special Events
Discover Science
3/12 Tuesday @ 4pm

Explore science concepts through hands-on experiments with Rachel Chang. Ages 8+

Adult Events
Medicare 101
3/14 Thursday @ 2:30pm
Join us for this workshop about Medicare basics. Learn how to sign up and file claims. Ask the expert all your questions! For adults.

Book Club: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
3/26 Tuesday @ 6pm
Join us for this lively book discussion. Ask for a reserved copy from a staff member at Hill Road Library.

Saticoy Library

Children & Family Events

Early Literacy Class

3/5, 12, 19, & 26 Tuesdays @ 10am
Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft & fun!

Paws for Reading

3/23 Saturday @ 12pm

Read aloud to registered therapy dogs. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, call 805) 671-5148.

Adult Classes & Events

English Classes

3/4, 11, 18, & 25 Mondays &

3/6, 13, 20, & 27 Wednesdays @ 3- 5pm
One on one instruction in English hosted by Laubach Literacy of Ventura County